Rangitāne Reacts to Palmerston North Council’s Disappointing Vote

Rangitāne representatives expressed disappointment following a recent decision by the Palmerston North City Council that excluded them from key committees. During a council meeting on October 4, 2023, members voted 8-8 against a proposal from Mayor Grant Smith to appoint two iwi representatives to the newly formed arts, culture, and heritage committee, a move designed to enhance their role within local governance.

Tanenuiarangi Manawatū chief executive Danielle Harris criticized the decision as a setback in the relationship between the council and the iwi. She described the outcome as “a very poor decision,” noting that the arguments against the appointments were lacking in substance. Harris pointed out that past collaborations had yielded positive results for both the council and Rangitāne, emphasizing the importance of their joint efforts over the preceding three to four years.

In previous council terms, there had been a dedicated Rangitāne o Manawatū committee, and iwi representatives had participated in most major committees. “We added value, not just for Rangitāne, but for the entire city,” Harris remarked. She clarified that the concerns raised by Councillor William Wood regarding potential close votes influenced by appointed members had not materialized in the past. Harris explained that Māori culture values consensus over the majority rule often seen in Western democratic practices.

Despite the setback, Harris reaffirmed that Rangitāne is committed to rebuilding its relationship with the council. “After 900 years, we are not going away,” she stated. She added that those opposing the proposal seemed disconnected from constituents who supported the reinstatement of Māori wards.

Members of the Rangitāne o Manawatū Settlement Trust also voiced their frustration with the council’s decision. They highlighted the long-standing, constructive partnership established through the Kawenata Agreement and a strong working relationship with Mayor Smith and council leadership. They asserted that the decision contradicts the spirit of partnership fostered by their collaborative achievements.

Mayor Smith remarked on the council’s inability to break the 8-8 deadlock, as standing orders prevent him from casting a deciding vote. He emphasized that the council-iwi relationship remains intact, despite having taken “a sideways move” with this vote. “Regardless of some views in the community and around the council table, we are still legally bound to have a meaningful relationship with mana whenua Rangitāne,” Smith stated. He framed the recent vote as a temporary challenge, saying, “This is just a moment in time.”

Councillor Wood acknowledged the importance of the council’s relationship with iwi but voiced principled objections to allowing non-elected members with voting rights on major committees. He suggested exploring alternative arrangements, such as appointing representatives without voting rights or limiting voting rights to specific projects, including the Te Motu o Poutoa cultural centre and marae initiative. Wood expressed regret over the lack of options for compromise, saying, “I do feel very sorry about how it played out. The outcome was not good for anyone.”

The council’s recent decision highlights ongoing tensions regarding representation and governance within Palmerston North, as both Rangitāne and the city council navigate the complexities of partnership and community engagement.